Dhaka, November 8,2026: Pakistan revived their semi-final hopes in the SAFF Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Maldives in their second Group B fixture at the National Football Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.
A first-half brace from Najeebullah Bettani, coupled with an early penalty converted by McKeal Aroon Abdullah, secured Pakistan’s first win of the tournament and strengthened their chances of reaching the last four.
Pakistan made an aggressive start and took the lead in the fourth minute after being awarded a penalty. McKeal Abdullah stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to put the Green Shirts ahead.
The national side continued to press and doubled its advantage through Najeebullah, who finished clinically after Junaid Shah delivered an excellent cross from the left. The forward timed his run perfectly, got ahead of his marker and poked the ball into the net.
Najeebullah then completed his brace with an impressive individual effort. After Pakistan cleared the ball from deep inside their own half, the forward controlled it on the right before unleashing a powerful strike beyond the Maldives goalkeeper.
Pakistan went into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead, having made the most of their attacking opportunities.
Despite enjoying slightly more possession, the Maldives struggled to create meaningful chances. Pakistan registered 15 shots, including five on target, while their opponents managed seven attempts, with only one testing the goalkeeper.
Both teams looked for further goals after the interval, but neither could find the net as the second half ended goalless, confirming Pakistan’s emphatic victory.
The result marked a strong response from Pakistan following their 3-2 defeat against arch-rivals India in their opening Group B match on November 5.
Pakistan had trailed 3-0 at half-time in that encounter before mounting a spirited late comeback. Najeebullah and Alamgir Ghazi scored in stoppage time to reduce the deficit, but India held on to claim all three points.
The 2026 SAFF Championship is being held in Bangladesh from November 5 to 17, with six teams divided into two groups. Pakistan, India and the Maldives are placed in Group B, while hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan make up Group A.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
Pakistan must now wait for the outcome of the remaining Group B fixture between India and the Maldives, scheduled for November 11.
The Maldives will need a substantial victory over India to overtake Pakistan in the group standings and qualify for the semi-finals. Otherwise, Pakistan and India will advance to the last four.
The comprehensive win has given Pakistan a timely boost after their opening-match setback and put them within touching distance of a semi-final place.
